The free and non-competitive program is organized by the Salinas Police Activities League and the San Francisco Giants. The excitement spilled over the baseball diamonds at El Dorado Park.

"The reason I like to play is because we play for fun and teamwork," 9-year-old Alexander Vargas said.

"It's not about who wins or loses, it's about having fun, it's about supporting friends, supporting family," said Eric Torres, 8, of Salinas.

The young players learn the Junior Giants four bases of character development -- confidence, integrity, leadership and teamwork -- as well as the importance of health and violence prevention, organizers said.

"The way I look at it, the 800 kids out here, are 800 kids I'll never have to worry about from law enforcement side," Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin said. "So this is exactly what we need to be growing here in Salinas. It's a great day."

The program has been growing since launching 21 years ago.

"It feels amazing playing with everyone, with boys and girls, because you get to be friends with anyone,'" said 10-year-old Mia Salgadao.

"Today just shows that we have a great town, everyone comes out, there are a lot of kids out here. We have 800-plus participants off the streets, doing something active and positive," Salinas Officer Daniel Garcia said.